Last night while watching television, it hit me right between those queer
eyes of mine. I want Tim Gunn from Project Runway to be Barack Obama’s Chief
of Staff.

Tim would bring change to Washington.  He might encourage Barack to change
his shoes.  Or that belt his daughters tell us he has been wearing forever.
And there is no question he would be the not-so-secret weapon in a first
rate redecorating job.

But it’s more than that.  Tim believes so deeply in the unique talents of
each contestant.  He knows they have it in them to do their very best.  And
more than just motivating, he helps designers believe in themselves.  He is
warm – he wells up easily and his hugs are genuine.  And at the same time,
he does not coddle.  He is well aware that sometimes you are in and
sometimes you are out.

OK I know it’s just a TV show.  But isn’t this the kind of person you want
at the President’s side all day every day?

Picture it – Tim walking into the West Wing every morning – charming,
positive and well dressed of course.  I can hear him now. “Make it work,
people!”

It gives me hope.

Joan Garry is an author, blogger and former executive director of GLAAD

Go back to the main story for more opinions on where we need LGBT officials.